When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

Two types of bunions that require bunion correction exist. An acute bunion results in a sharper type of pain. It results from something called a "bursitis," which is a sudden protruding of a sac filled with fluid. Sometimes this can eventually result in a chronic type of growth on your foot. This second type of bunion is called a " hallux valgus" While this is a chronic type of bunion, its effects are not always major. In fact, hallux valgus is oftentimes painless and results in the bones becoming permanently stiff. The main cause of bunions is genetics, but they can also be caused by bad footwear and improper technique, or sometimes in ballet dancers starting pointe work too early or with ill fitting pointe shoes. Make sure that all your shoes fit properly, and the big toe joint should always line up straight with the metatarsal. When practising your ballet dancing, avoid winging your foot (this is sticking the big toe forward when pointing) or putting sideways pressure on your big toe. Also, when you close your feet to fifth position, avoid using to much forceful pressure on the floor. There are different types of surgery for the bunion depending on the size, reason and area affected. At the broader level, it may involve correction of the tendons and the ligaments, removal of the damaged joints and surfaces, complete removal of the bump on the leg, or even the realignment of the joint through multiple surgeries. In some cases, the metatarsal is broken in two and then held in place with a screw. The nature and extent of the treatment varies per person and is best decided by the orthopedic surgeon. Similarly, bunion surgery recovery time also deends on the procedure followed and the complications involved. As you can imagine, surgery may be a solution but it really doesn't do anything to prevent bunions from reappearing in the future. Also, surgeons like to work on bunions on both feet during the surgery, which makes it even more difficult to walk during the recovery process. You need to be aware of some of the more common foot procedures your family physician might face if you want to get the rightful reimbursements for your foot and ankle claims. A projected three out of 4 American citizens come across foot issues throughout their lifetime and adult females get about 4 times as many foot problems as guys. Currently, almost every running shoe company has products in development supporting natural running, and we are beginning to see the very first steps by many of them away from heavy cushioning and elevated heels. Again though, most of these new shoes are being made solely for adults. Outside of a few select brands, with Terra Plana Vivo Kids being the model (see the photo of the TP Pally to the left), a void exists in the development of proper youth footwear, where natural foot function and development are perhaps most critical. A bunion forms when the massive toe moves out of place. And this bunion is the results of improper forces being experienced by the joint throughout the walking time. Excessive rotary motion or flattening of the foot will contribute. Besides this the swelling is sometimes the results of a long period of incorrect foot function. The type of surgery varies with the kind and severity of the swelling. Basically your doctor can take an x-ray to measure what quantity deformity has occurred. Surgery is usually indicated as reasonable to harsh bunions and bunions that do not answer traditional events. Surgery is usually done on a patient basis. A bunion, or hallux valgus , is a deformity of the big toe joint. This type of pathology is usually manifested as a “bump” on the inside of the foot just behind the big toe. The bump can be very small or reasonably large; the size of which is not necessarily proportional to the amount of pain one can experience. Along with this bony bump there can be an associated bursitis which is a “cushion” that the body originally creates to protect an area from pressure or friction, but after a while this cushion can also become inflamed and painful. Engineers in the UK launched the "Fit Flop" as a stylish way to strengthen your legs, thighs and "bum" muscles while walking. Surprisingly, these also have been found to help with back pain and do not cause many of the same foot problems as the common flip flop sandal. The makers of "Fit Flops" have some good science behind their claim to increase muscle activation 10-12% and it was verified by an independent lab outside their company. Consumers should be cautioned to wear the "Fit Flops" gradually because of the delayed muscle soreness that occurs just like the beginning of a work out routine.